Manager Emerging Technologies📣 Job Ad

About the Role

King Salman International Airport (KSIA) is seeking a Manager – Emerging Technologies to join its team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role is central to identifying, evaluating, and integrating innovative technologies that support the airport's long-term digital transformation ambitions and operational excellence. The Manager will lead research and development (R&D) initiatives, including technology scouting, proof-of-concept (PoC) validation, pilot programs, and comprehensive technology assessments.

Role Context and Impact

The successful candidate will work closely with business, technology, design, and delivery teams to translate emerging technologies into scalable, enterprise-ready solutions. These solutions are designed to enhance airport operations, elevate the guest experience, and enable next-generation SMART airport capabilities. The role involves evaluating technical feasibility, business value, and deployment readiness of new technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and evaluate emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Automation, Quantum Computing, Computer Vision, Autonomous Mobility, Internet of Things (IoT), and Advanced Construction Materials relevant to KSIA's strategic goals.
• Monitor global technology trends, airport industry developments, and innovation ecosystems to identify and prioritize emerging technology opportunities.
• Assess technology readiness, technical feasibility, market maturity, and business value to inform investment and adoption decisions.
• Lead the end-to-end R&D lifecycle, including technology scouting, proof-of-concept (PoC) development, pilot programs, MVP validation, and deployment planning.
• Define and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate PoC performance and business outcomes.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with startups, universities, research institutions, technology vendors, innovation hubs, and venture ecosystems.
• Collaborate with business, technology, design, and operations teams to identify opportunities for improving operational efficiency and enhancing the guest experience.
• Ensure emerging technology initiatives align with enterprise architecture standards, governance frameworks, cybersecurity requirements, and organizational policies.
• Develop business cases, technology assessments, implementation roadmaps, and executive recommendations to support strategic investment decisions.
• Prepare executive reports, presentations, and strategic insights for senior leadership on emerging technology initiatives and innovation opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related STEM discipline.
• A Master's degree or professional certifications in Digital Transformation, Enterprise Architecture, Cloud Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, or Emerging Technologies are preferred.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, Agile, AI, or Innovation Management are considered an advantage.

Experience and Skills

• 6–8 years of experience in Emerging Technologies, Research & Development (R&D), Digital Transformation, Innovation, or Engineering.
• Aviation experience is preferred; candidates with experience in transportation, smart cities, defense, or large-scale infrastructure programs are also encouraged to apply.
• Proven experience evaluating, validating, and implementing emerging technologies within complex enterprise environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading technology assessments, PoCs, pilot programs, and cross-functional implementation initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with startups, innovation ecosystems, venture partners, universities, or research institutions is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and project coordination skills.

Work Location

This full-time position is based at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.